Reaper-switch-control mechanism.



A. GRIEVES.

REAPER SWITCH CONTROL MECHANISM.

APPLICATION man mu 1. 1916.

1,257,700. I Pgtented Feb. 26, 1918.

5 SHEETS-SHE I.

A. GRIEVES.

' ,REAPER SWITCH CONTROL MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1. I916.

1,257,700. Patented Feb. 26, 191&

s SHEETS-SHEET 2.

A. GRIEVES.

REAPER SWITCH CONTROL MECHANISM.

APPLICATION TILED MAY 1. I9l6.

1,257,700. Pawnted Feb. 26, 1918.

5 SHETS-SHEET 3- 1 A. GRHEVES.

REAPER SWITCH CONTROL MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY I. [915,

Patented Feb. 26, 1918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

A. GRIEVES.

REAPER swncu CONTROL MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 1. I916.

Patented Feb. 26,-191& v

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5- Mefloii Z3675 g "zlebe' gt 5%.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALBERT GRIEVES, 0F SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY OF NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

REAPER-SWITGI-IQONTROL MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 26, 1918.

1 '0 all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, ALBERT Gnrnvns, a citizen of the United States residing at Springfield, in the county of Clark and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Reaper-Switch- Control Mechanism, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact specification.

This invention relates to reaper switch control mechanism.

One of the objects is to simplify and im prove reaper switch control mechanism to obtain an improved coiiperative action of the various parts.

A further object is to provide switch control mechanism adapted to meet all the requirements for successful commercial operation.

These objects are accomplished by providing a simple and compact arrangement of a minimum number of cooperating parts which are positive in operation.

The invention is illustrated on the accompanying sheets of drawings, in which Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation, parts being in section, of reaper switch con trol mechanism embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same, parts being broken away and in section, the latch tripping mechanism having-about reached the limiting position to permit the switch to be moved automatically into open position, and the timing ear to be moved out of engagement with its cooperating driving pinion;

Fig. 3 is a plan view substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 2, with the exception that the switch has moved into open position and the timing gear moved out of engagement with its driving gear;

Fig. 4 is a similar plan view in which the switchis locked in its closed position and the timing mechanism set so that every sixth rake will sweep the reaper deck;

Fig. 5 is a similar plan view, the switch being in closed position and the timing mechanism being set so that every third rake will sweep the deck;

Fig. 6 is a similar plan view with the timing mechanism set for every fourth rake to sweep the deck, but showing the foot lever controlled trip latch set in a position to prevent the switch from moving into open position to prevent any of the rakesfrom sweepingthe. deck Fig... i a fragrr entary detail plan view showing the foot controlled trip latch held by a spring in its normal position to permit the switch to be open in accordance with the setting of the timing mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a similar plan view showing the foot lever controlled trip latch in position to normally hold the switch in closed posi tion regardless of the setting of the timing mechanism, the latch being actuated or withdrawn at the will of the operator for the purpose of permitting the deck to be swept at any desired time;

Fig. 9 is adetail side elevation showing the timing gear supporting member;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of part of the detail shown in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view showing part of the cam track and the timing gear supporting member arranged in a guiding .groove;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the stepped timing member;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary end view of the reversible spring pressed controlled latch member which is set into operation at any instant regardless of the setting of the timing mechanism to permit or prevent the opening of the switch;

Fig. 14 is a detail side elevation of the same;

Fig. 15 is a detail plan view of the locking latch which is pivotally mounted upon the timing gear supporting member. as shown in Figs. 7 and 8;

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the same;

Fig. 17 is afragmentary plan view of the index member; and

Fig. 18 is a detail side elevation of the same.

The various novel features of my invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings and will be particularly pointed out inthe appended claims.

Referring first to Fig. l of the drawings, it will be seen that I have provided the usual tubular vertical support 10 in which is revolubly mounted a shaft 11 which is driven in the usual manner from the main driving mechanism of the reaper. Keyed to: the up" per end of this shaft 11 is a pinion 12, the teeth of which normally engage the teeth of a gear- 13 formed on the periphery of a timing member 14. The: pinion I2 is integrally formed on the lower tubular portion 9 of the-reaper head; 8, carrying.- the usual pivotally mounted rake arms'7 provided with rollers 6. During the forward movement of the reaper, the pinion 12 is continuously operated in a clockwise direction, as shown in Fig. 2, for driving the timing member 14 in a counterclockwise direction when the gear 13 of the latter is in mesh with said pinion 12.

Under normal operating conditions, however, the timing gear supporting member 15 (see Figs. 2 to 10 inclusive), upon which the timing member 14 is pivotally or rotatably mounted, periodically is given a sliding movement to place the timing gear 13 out of mesh with the pinion 12 to prevent further rotation of the timing gear. The timing member 14 is pivotally mounted upon a vertically arranged pin 16 forming a part of and located near one end of the supporting member 15. This timing gear supporting member 15 is connected to an car 17 of a reaper switch 18 by an adjustable rod 19, which is screwed into the tubular portion 15 of the timing gear supporting member 15. A coiled sprin 20, one end of which engages a part of tie stationary frame 21, the other of which is operatively connected with the stem 22 of the switch, tends to, and under certain conditions, moves the switch 18 into its open position, as shown in Fig. 3. However, the switch normally is held in closed position by a latch 23 (see Figs. 4, 5 and 7), engaging an inwardly extending projection 24 formed on the stationary cam structure 25. This latch 23, which is PlV-r otally mounted upon supporting member 15, also holds the timing gear 13 111 mesh with the pinion 12. To disengage the latch 23 from the projection 24 to permit the spring 20 to throw the switch 18 into open position and to slide the timing gear supporting member 15 laterally in its guiding groove 15", thereby carrying timing gear 13 out of mesh with pinion 12, a lug 26 formed on'the under side of the timing member 14 is arranged to pass into engagement with a projectlon 27 (see Figs. 2, 7 and 8) formed on the latchmember 23. Itis apparent that when the timing ear 13 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, the lug 26 will pass into engagement with the projection 27 on the latch 23 to throw said latch out of engagement with the projection 24, whereupon the spring 20 will open the switch 18 and throw the timing gear 13 out of mesh with the pinion 12. The latch 23 is normally held in the locking position by a coiled spring 28 (see particularly Figs. 7 and 8-), one end of which spring operatively engage the tail projectm piece 29 of the latch member 23, and the ot er end 30 of which is operatively connected to the timing member 14. The body of the spring'28 is coiled around the boss 31 of the timing member which fits over the supporting pin 16. This spring 28 has a double function in that it not only normally holds the latch 23 in a locking position, but also rotates the timing member 14 in a clockwise direction from the limiting position shown in Fig. 2 to any one of a number of positions, depending upon the setting of the timing control element to be described hereinafter.

The timing mechanism may be set in a manner such that every successive sixth, fifth, fourth, third, second, or every one of the reaper rakes may sweep a gavel from the reaper platform. This timing feature will now be described. The upper side of the timing gear is provided with a series of stepped projections 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 and the under side of this timing member is provided with a projection 37. The projection 37 is adapted to engage with an upstanding projection 38 (see Figs. 2, 3, 7 and 8) for limiting the clockwise rotation of the timing member 14, and, as is seen in dotted lines in Figs. 3 and 4, the projection 37 is in ei'igagement with the lug 38. In Fig. 3, the switch is in open position and one of the rollers 6 of a. reaper rake arm 7 is passing through the open switch and has just passed into engagement with the heel 39 of the switch for forcing the switch into closed poslti ll and sliding the timing gear supporting member 15 to the left'to cause the timing gear 13 to mesh with the pinion 12 and to permit the spring 28 to throw the latch 23 into locking engagement with the projection 24, this position being shown in Fig. 4. The pinion 12 being continuously rotated, it is apparent that the timing gear will be driven thereby in a counterclockwise direction until the trip lug 26 on the under side of the timing gear engages the projection 27 of the latch 23 and forces the latch out of engagement with the projection 24, whereupon, as above stated, the spring 20 will force the timing gear 13 out of mesh with pinion 12 and force the switch to an open position, whereupon a rake will be permitted to sweep the deck. At the same time, it will be noted that the't-iining member 14 will be rotated automatically by the spring 28 in a clockwise direction until lug 37 passes intoen- .j

gagement and is stopped by the projection 38 on the sliding supporting member 15, as shown in Figs; 3 and 4. lVith this setting the timing element 14 is actuated its maximum distance, and every sixth rake sweeps the deck. Of course, it is understood that when the switch is open, the roller of the rake arm passing therethrough does not pass over the pivotally mounted bridge 80 forming a part of the main cam structure, and that when a rake does not sweep the deck its arm roller passes around the switch 18 and over the bridge 80 in the usual manner.

So far as the operator is concerned, if he desires every sixth rake to sweep the deck,

em-mo he merely places the pivotally mounted hand control lever 39 (see Figs. 1"? and. 18') into the index notch No. 6 on the indicating frame 40. However, if it is desired that every fifth rake shall sweep the deck, then the control lever 39 i s'p'laced' into index notch No; 5. It will be noted that a stop member 41, which is pivota'llyanounted at 42 (see Figs. 2, 5, 6', 17 and 18) on astationary part of the frame, extends thrbpgh a vertical slot $3 in the index frame ith'hfind is pressed down upon the lever 39 bf it spring 44.

With the operators control lever 39 in index'. notch N0. 5, as shown in Fig. 18, the stop member 41 will lie in the path of'movement of lug 32' on the timing member 14 so that when the latter rotates in a clockwise direction under the influence of spring 28, said timing member will be stopped by lug 32 engaging the stop member 41. Under these conditions it is seen that when the switch is moved to a closed position, the timing gear 13 is thrown into mesh with the pinion 12, but that the timing element 14; will not have to travel as great a distance, as when every sixth rake swept the deck, before the trip lug 26 causes the tripping of latch 23, whereupon the switch 18 is open and a rake is permitted to sweep the deck.

In a like manner, if it is desired that every fourth rake shall sweep the deck, the control lever 39 will be placed in index notch No. 4, whereupon the stop member a1 will lie in the path of movement of lug 33, the timing member 1% being stopped in a corresponding position, as shown in Fig. 6. Similarly, if it is desirable for every third rake to sweep the deck, the lever 39 will be placed in index notch No. 3, whereupon the stop member 41 will move down into the path of movement of lug 3 1. In Fig. 5, it will be noted that lug 34 has passed into engagement with the stop a1, the timing member 14 being momentarily held in such position with the switch closed, whereupon the timing gear is simultaneously forced into mesh with the pinion 12'. With this setting it is apparent that the trip lug 26 has a relatively short distance to travel before it trips the latch 23 to permit the switch 18 to open and the timing gear 13 to pass out of mesh with the pinion 12. In a like manner, if the control lever is placed in. index notch No. 2 every second rake will sweep the deck, and if' placed in index No. 1, every rake will sweep the deck.

It will be noted that for any one setting the operation is automatic and will continue so unless. it is desirable to change the same by some action of the operator. The automatic cycle briefly considered, for any one setting, is this: Let it be assumed that the switch is in closed position and islocked in such position by the latch 23 engaging pro gear 12, whereupon the spring automati call-y rotates the timing member lt with'its gear 13 in a clockwise direction to the desired position. As the roller 6 of the rake arm passes the switch, it engages the heel 39 thereof to auton'iatically close the switch, causing the timing gear supporting member to slide to the left, whereupon the timing gear 13 is forced into mesh with the pinion 12, and the locking latch 23, under the in.- fluence of spring 28, automatically forced into locking engagement with the projection whereupon the cycle is repeated. The whole operation. is automatic.

It sometimes happens that where the grain is heavy it is desired to sweep the deck at a particular time independentof the particular setting, that is to say, that even although the timing mechanism may be set in a manner to permit every sixth rake to sweep the deck, the grain may be so heavy in a small stretch that the operator desires to take the control away from the timing mechanism and trip the switch open to permit a rake corresponding. to the third one to sweep the deck. This is accomplished by actuating a foot lever, not shown, but which is operatively connected to a rod &6 (see Figs. 2, 3, 6, 7, and S) pivotally connected in turn to a tripping latch 4C7. ith particular reference to Fig. 7, it will be noted that tripping latch 47, which is pivotally mounted upon a pin 48 on the. under side of the cam structure (see particularly Fig. 2), is yieldingly held out of'engagement with the latch 23 by a spring 49, which is coiled around a rod 50 and interposed between: a lug 51 on the latch 47 and a portion of'the rotatable control member or reversiblespring support 53 pivoted on latch 47 to the pin 48. This member is'provided with an car 54 which engages a stop member 55 which permits the spring $9 to act in a, positive manner to hold the latch tripping member 47 out ofengagement with the locking latch 23. However, thespring 49 may be overcome by actuating the rod 456 in a manner to move the latch 23, forcingthe latter out of locking position to permit the spring 20 to throw the switch into open position and thereby permitting a rake to sweep the deck. Of course, it. will be understood that as soon. as the switch is open, the timing member will fly to the position for which it was previously set to operate under normal automatic conditions and its cycle will then begin over as if the operation has been normal throughout. In manually tripping the latch 23 through the actuation of tripping latch 47 as above described, it is understood, of course, that the latch 47 is immediately released so that the spring 49 can return the same to its normal position, as shown in Fig. 7. If, however, the operator held his foot on the control lever connected to rod 46, the projection 56, which is effective in tripping the lever 23, would be retained. in the path of movement of the projection 57 on the timing gear supporting member 15, thereby preventing the switch from opening and preventing the timing gear 13 from passin out of engagement with the pinion 1.2. owever, just as soon as the operator releases pressure upon the foot lever and thereby the tripping latch 47, the latter will be thrown by the spring 49 into the position shown in Fig. 7, whereupon the switch 18 may be opened automatically by the spring 20 in the usual manner as con.- sidered hereinabove. Of course, it is under stood from what has been said that this manually operated tripping latch 47, therefore, not only is of value for manually tripping the timing mechanism to permit the switch to open, regardless of the setting of the timing mechanism, but also is of value to prevent the automatic opening of the switch where it is desirable not to sweep the deck, such as at the end of the field where the grain if deposited would be trampled upon by the horses.

In some localities, and particularly in tain foreign countries, the operators desire to walk behind the reaper and control by a cable the tripping of the timing mechanism and thereby the opening of the switch, regardless of the particular setting of the timmg mechanism. In order to do this it is necessary to prevent the automatic tripping of the timing mechanism and the opening of the switch. I accomplish this result by swinging: the .reiersible control member 53 to a position in which its other ear member 58 passes into engagement and is stopped by the lug 55 to cause the spring 49 to operate in an opposite manner, that is, to hold the ing 56. o' latch trippin member 47 in the path of movement of t e rejection 57, as shown inFig. 8, instead 0 out of the path of movement of said lug, as shown in Fig. 7. Referring particularly to Fig. 8, it will be seen that although the latch member 23 is out of locking engagement with the locking projection 24, the switch is prevented from opening and the timin mechanism is prevented from being shi ted to the right by the lug 56 acting as a stop against which the projection 57 rests. With the arrangement of parts as shownin Fig. 8, ifit is desired to sweep the deck at any particular time, the same may be accomplished by actuating the latch 47 through any suitable cable, withdrawing the projection 56 from the path of movement of the lug 57, whereupon the spring 20 will automatically open the switch to permit a rake to sweep the deck. Of course, as has been pointed out above, as soon as one of the rollers 56 passes the heel of the switch, the switch will be closed and the timing gear 13 thrown into mesh with the pinion 12, and the locking latch 23 placed into locking engagement with projection 24. However, as soon as the operator releases his hold of the cable, the spring 49 will again force the projection 56 of tripping latch 47 into engagement with the tripping latch 23' to unlock the switch, but at the same time the projection 56 will prevent the opening of the switch through engagement with the projection 57.

By means of this compact arrangement, the cooperation of the various parts is im proved and greatly simplified to produce all of the desired requirements for commercial operation.

It is evident that there may be various modifications of the precise arrangement herein shown and described, and it is my intention to cover all such modifications which do notinvolve a departure from the spirit and scope of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch and a longitudinally shiftable timing gear operatively connected thereto for controlling the time of operation of said switch.

2. In reaper controi mechanism, the com bination of a switch, control means and a timing gear operatively connected to said switch and having a plurality of stops for engaging said control means for controlling the time of operation of said switch. 3. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a control member, and a timing gear operatively connected to said switch and having a plurality of portions adapted to cooperate with said member for controlling the time of operation of said switch.

4. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, an operators lever, and a timing gear operatively connected to said switch and having a plurality of portions adapted to cooperate with said lever for controlling the time of operation of said switch.

5. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, means for automatically moving the same into open position, control means anda timing gear operatively connected tosaid switch and having a plurality of stops cotiperating with said control means for controlling the time of opening of said switch.

6. In rea oer control mechanism, the combination 0 a switch, means for automatically opening said switch, means for normally holding said switch in closed position,

and a longitudinally shiftablc timing gear operatively connected to said switch having means for overcoming said locking means whereby the switch may be opened at a predetermined time.

7. In reaper control mechanism, the com bination of a switch, a member operatively connected to said switch, and a timing gear rotatably mounted on said member for determining the time of operation of said switch.

8. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a slidably mounted member connected thereto, a timing gear mounted on said member for controlling the time Of operation of said switch, and means for automatically opening said switch and shifting said member.

9. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a slidably mounted member operatively connected thereto, timing means mounted on said member, driving means for driving said timing means, and means whereby said switch may be operated automatically and the driving relation between said timing means and driving means changed.

10. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a slidably mounted member operatively connected thereto, timing means mounted on said member, driving means for driving said timing means, and means whereby said switch may be automatically operated and said timing means removed from said driving means.

11. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, .timing means mounted on said member, means for driving said timing means, means for automatically operating said switch and changing the driving relation between said driving means and timing means, and means for returning the timing means to a predetermined position.

12. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means mounted on said member, means for drivin said timing means, means for automatical y opening said switch and changing the driving relation between said driving means and timing means, means for returning the timing means to a predetermined position, and means whereby when said switch is closed the driving relationship between said tim ing means and driving means will be reestablished.

13. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of. a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted thereon, driving means for said timing means, locking means mounted on said member for normally holding said switch in a closed position and said timing means and driving means in a driving relationship, and means whereby when said locking means is released the switch will be moved into an open position and said timin r means and driving means moved out of driving relationship.

14. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted thereon, driving means for said timing means, locking means mounted on said member for normally holding said switch in a closed position and said timing means and driving means in a driving relationship, means whereby when said locking means is released the switch will be moved into an open position and said timing means and driving means moved outof driving re lationship, and means "l'lGlQl'kY when said switch is closed said timing means will be moved into driving relationship with said driving means.

15. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted thereon, driving means for said timing means, locking means mounted on said member for normally holding said switch in a closed position and said timing means and driving means in a driving relationship, means whereby when said locking means is released the switch will be moved into an open position and said timing means and driving means moved out of driving relationship, means for automatically returning the timing means to a predetermined position, and means whereby when said switch is closed said timing means will be moved into driving relationship with said driving means.

16. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted on said member, means for driving said timing means, means mounted on said member for locking said switch in closed position and said timing member in driving.

relationship with said driving means, means for tripping said locking means whereby the switch will be opened and said timing means moved out of driving relationship with said driving means, and means acting upon said timing means and locking means for giving said timing means a return movement and for moving said locking means into a looking position.

17. In reaper control mechanism, the com bination of a switch, means for actuating the switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted on said member, means for drivim said timing means, means mounted on sairf member for locking said switch in closed position and said timing member in driving relationship with said driving means, means for trippin r said locking means whereby the switch wil be opened and said timing means moved out of driving relationship with said driving means, means acting upon said timing means and locking means for giving said timing means a return movement and for moving said locking means into a locking position, and means whereby when said switch is closed said timing means is moved into driving relationship with said driving means.

18. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a slidably mounted member operatively connected thereto, timing means mounted on said member, driving means for said. timing means, locking means on said member normally holding said switch in a closed position and said timing means and said dr'ving means in driving relationship, means for tripping said locking means in accordance with the position of said timing means whereupon the switch will be opened and the timing means and driving means moved out of driving relationship, and means for giving said timing means a return movement and for pressing said locking means into a locked position when the switch is closed.

19. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, locking means therefor, timing means for trippng said locking means, and reversible means for tripping said locking means independently of said timing means.

20. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, locking means therefor, timing means for tripping said locking means, and reversible means for maintainin said switch in closed position even thougfi the locking means be tripped by said timing means.

21. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, locking means there for, means for automatically releasing said switch from said locking means, and reversible means for releasing said switch from said locking means and in turn locking said switch.

22. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, locking means therefor, and a reversible trip member for either releasing said switch from said locking means or for locking said switch after said first mentioned locking means has been tripped.

2-3. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, and reversible means for either locking or releasing said switch.

24. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, and reversible spring pressed means for either looking or releasing said switch.

:25. In reaper control mechanism, the con1- bination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, a latch pivoted to said member for locking said switch in one of its positions, and reversible means for actuating said locking means and for relocking said switch.

26. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted on said member, means for driving said timing means, locking means on said member for locking said switch in closed position, means associated with said timing means for actuating said locking means, means whereby said switch may be opened and said timing means returned to a predetermined position when said locking means is actuated, and independent means for actuating said locking means.

27. In reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a member operatively connected thereto, timing means pivotally mounted on said member, means for driving said timin means, locking means on said member for locking said switch in closed position, means associated with said timing means for actuating said locking means, means whereby said switch may be opened and said timing means returned to a. predetermined position when said locking means is actuated, and reversible manually controlled means for actuating said locking means.

28. In a reaper control mechanism, the combination of a switch, a longitudinally movable member operatively' connected to said switch, and a timing gear movably mounted on said member for determining the time of operation of the switch.

In testimony whereof I aflix no signature.

ALBERT G IEVES.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, I). 0." 

